A much-changed Aberystwyth Town side begin their 2023/24 Cymru Premier campaign against Cardiff Met University tomorrow, after retaining their place in Wales’ top flight on the last day of the season last time out.
A 3-2 win over Caernarfon Town meant Aber kept their place in the division, with Flint Town United going the other way.
After a busy summer for the Seasiders, they began their competitive season with a 2-1 win over Barry Town United after going a goal down in the Nathaniel MG Cup.
Alex Darlington cancelled out Kayne McLaggon’s opener, before Billy Kirkman fired home the winner with less than ten minutes to play to send Aber into the third round of the competition.
Aberystwyth Town captain Jack Thorn spoke about that win and what it means for the season ahead.
“It gives us a lot of confidence, we always want to win games, especially in the cup against teams who are in our league. It gives you that extra boost that we’ve beat them once, we can go beat them again.
“We learnt that the lads will fight for each other and work for each other.
“We went 1-0 down and we could have crumbled, but we stuck together and we worked for each other.
“At the start of the season, we didn’t have a lot signed on, but we kept the core players and we added to it.
“Everyone’s buzzing for the start of the season, we’ve had a good preseason and we’re really looking forward to it.“
Aber faced Saturday’s opponents Cardiff Met University in preseason, where the Seasiders recorded a 1-0 win over the South Wales side.
Thorn spoke about what he is expecting from Met on Saturday.
“Whenever you face Cardiff Met it’s always tough,” he explained.
“Whether that’s start of the season, end of the season, halfway through, they’re always a fit team, they’re well drilled, they know how they want to play, they’re good at what they do, so it will be tough.
“Having played them in preseason as well, it was chances galore for each team, so it should be a good game.“
Goalkeeper Sam Green has joined Aberystwyth Town this summer and was on the bench in Aber’s win over Barry last week.
He joins the club on a scholarship scheme with Aberystwyth University, where he will play for Aberystwyth Town in the Cymru Premier and for the University in BUCS.
The 18-year-old was previously a scholar at English Football League club Lincoln City, and takes up a scholarship in Aberystwyth that women’s goalkeeper Elen Valentine was previously a part of before her move to Newcastle United last week.
Defender Archie Bales also plays for the University in BUCS along with former Aberystwyth Town players Jamie Jones and Kieran Booker.
Jack Thorn explained what advice he has for those players who join the Cymru Premier side whilst also playing their part in the University side.
“Just work hard in training. You’re good enough,” he stated.
“The gaffer has seen that you’re talented enough to come and join us and you’re talented enough to sign you, but also they’re switched on when they want to do their education. I think it’s a really good scheme that we’ve put together where they are doing that.
“They are good players, so it’s good additions to the squad.“
After avoiding relegation on the last day in the 2022/23 season, Thorn explained the aims for the new season in the Cymru Premier.
“We’ve always aimed to do the best we can,” he explained.
“Hopefully that is getting into that top 6 and pushing for those European spots.
“We watched Haverfordwest do it, we watched Penybont do it, Connah’s Quay.
“All the lads are like ‘how good would that be if we could do that, so that is our aim.
“Last season was alright but it didn’t go to plan towards the end where we were in a relegation battle.
“We just take it game by game. We want to do the best we can.
“With what Haverfordwest have done, they finished 7th and then went and beat the teams in the top six.
“It just shows that even if you’re in the bottom six come the split, you’ve got everything to play for to go and get into that European spot.“
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